By Andrew Snape Hamond Esquire
Captain of the Roebuck and Senior officer
of His Majestys Ships employed
in the River Delaware

Having reason to believe the communication by the Delaware with the Town of Philadelphia from the State of the weather will soon be entirely preyented; It is therefore my intention to remain cruizing off this River with the Squadron under my command in order to prevent supply's getting in, as well as to prevent their Armed Vessels now fitted out at Philadelphia from putting to Sea, untill the 10th instant, after which, I shall proceed Southward to the Island of Antigua: . Should therefore any accident happen to separate US before that time; You are hereby directed to cruize with His Majesty's Ship under your command in the Trail of the Vessels coming from the West Indies, in such manner, and for so long a time as you shall judge necessary; taking care if possible to be at English Harbour by the e'nd of this Month in Order that the Pearl may be hove down and refitted.²

It is recommended that all possible caution is used to prevent the Rebels from being informed of the movement of His Majesty's Ships, and in Case of making any Captures, that they may in future be sent to the Island of Antigua;

Given under my hand on board His
Majesty's Ship the Roebuck in
Cape Henlopen Road the 2d January 1777 —

To Captains Wilkinson & Linzee commander[s] of His Majesty's Ship[s] the Pearl & Falcon

[Note] This order is not to be open'd but in case of separation. —